Africa Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Africa

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Marrakech

Marrakech

Reasons to book a car hire in Africa

Renting a car in Africa offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the continent's diverse attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key sites such as the Giza Pyramid Complex, which provides rich cultural experiences, or Kruger National Park, perfect for outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. If you're in the mood for relaxation, Naama Bay’s beautiful beaches and outdoor activities are also within your reach.

Additionally, a rental car enables you to conveniently explore popular destinations like Morocco, known for the Majorelle Garden and Hassan II Mosque, or Mauritius, famed for its scenic beaches such as Flic-en-Flac. Cape Verde is another fascinating stop, featuring Santa Maria Beach and lively local markets. For families or groups, having a vehicle ensures ample space for luggage and the flexibility to tailor your travel plans. Whether you're embarking on a scenic road trip or planning to visit multiple attractions, hiring a car in Africa is a practical choice for a memorable journey.

Most popular car hires in Africa

  • Economy: This car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for 2 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families. The Economy car is a popular choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option while still enjoying the freedom to explore Africa's attractions at their own pace.
  • Compact: Similar to the Economy option, the Compact car also accommodates 5 travellers but offers room for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it well-suited for solo adventurers, couples, or families who need a bit more luggage space without sacrificing manoeuvrability. Compact cars are particularly useful for navigating urban areas.
  • Midsize: Ideal for couples or families, the Midsize car accommodates 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option offers a comfortable ride while ensuring ample room for your belongings, making it perfect for longer journeys across Africa. The Midsize car strikes a balance between space and efficiency, catering to those who require additional luggage capacity.

Where to stay in Africa

  • Morocco: Experience the vibrant culture and history of Morocco, where travellers can explore the enchanting Majorelle Garden, perfect for family outings. For beach lovers, Agadir Beach is ideal for unwinding by the sea. The Hassan II Mosque offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. With numerous cafes and dining options nearby, you can indulge in local cuisine while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the public markets and squares, all within a short distance from your accommodation.
  • Mauritius: Known for its stunning beaches, Mauritius is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Flic-en-Flac Beach and Trou aux Biches Beach are renowned for their pristine sands and turquoise waters, making them perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. Turtle Bay provides picturesque scenery and outdoor activities. The island also boasts excellent golf courses and private clubs, with nearby wineries and distilleries offering a taste of local flavours, enriching your stay.
  • Cape Verde: Cape Verde welcomes travellers with its captivating blend of beach and culture. Santa Maria Beach is a prime destination for those seeking sun and sand, while Santa Maria Town Square offers a cultural experience with its vibrant atmosphere. For adventure seekers, Mindelo Marina is a fantastic spot for outdoor activities. The historic villages nearby provide a glimpse into the local heritage, complemented by unique cheese options available at local eateries, making for an enriching visit.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Africa

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for those summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to benefit from lower rates and improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most beneficial option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but it may be worth the extra cost for the convenience it offers.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in Africa

The best value period to rent a car in Africa is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately high. May and June also offer reasonable rates with moderately low demand. However, August tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand and prices. This busy period often continues into September, when rental costs remain average. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Renting a car in Africa will give you the freedom to really get to the heart of this incredible part of the world. Use your hire car to discover the best that Africa has to offer, from its natural beauty to its bustling towns and cities.

With Expedia, booking you Africa car hire is easy. Each hire car in Africa option offers you competitive rates and a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations around the country to make your life easier. Book your rental car in in Africa with confidence through Expedia.

At Expedia, our goal is to offer you a great variety of Africa car rental discounts at the best price. When hiring a car in Africa with Expedia, you can compare a massive range of vehicles, from compact economy cars with low fuel consumption to luxury or off-road solutions, depending on your preference. Every Africa hire car we feature will come fully equipped with the latest amenities and safety features to ensure your trips will be safe and comfortable.

It has never been easier to find a rental car in Africa. We offer you competitive prices and up-to-date information, ensuring quality and efficiency for all our visitors, at all times. Rent a car in Africa today and enjoy your holiday, or get anywhere in time for your business meetings. At Expedia, we understand that travelling can be a hassle if you are not well organized, which is why we provide a variety of car types to compare and choose from for all types of travellers. In just a few clicks you can hire a car in Africa with Expedia.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Africa car reservation?
We get that flexibility while travelling is important. That's why the majority of prepaid bookings offer a complete refund if you cancel at least six hours ahead of the scheduled collection time. You may want to read your policy though because there are some exclusions. If there's nothing specified there, click on our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in Africa?
If you want to save on petrol while exploring Africa, you can't do better than a mini. These pint-sized rides prove bigger doesn't mean better, especially while trying to find a parking space! Zip around the busy city streets with ease — you won't have to worry about your parallel parking skills. Need a car with a bit more legroom? One of our standard, full-size or premium vehicles will provide you with all the space you need.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Africa with Expedia?
Scoring the best deal on your Africa rental car is a cinch with Expedia. Choose your preferred ride, add some details and compare prices across big-name brands. Why not add flights and hotels to your booking? You'll score even more savings when you combine your bookings into a package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Africa?
Anyone with a valid driver's license aged 18 and above can rent a car in Africa. While some suppliers may be willing to rent to drivers younger than 18, expect an extra fee. Find out what age range the young renter fee applies to, and what it costs, before you book. There are also restrictions on the categories of cars young drivers can hire. Higher age limits apply for specialty and luxury vehicles.
What do you need to rent a car in Africa?
Before you can road trip around Africa, you'll need a driver's license and a credit card in the same name. If you decline to take out the company's insurance plan, you may also have to show proof of alternative coverage. Requirements can vary, so read the contract terms and conditions before you choose a rental company.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Africa?
Whether you have plans to stick around Africa or explore beyond, you can reserve a long-term hire with Expedia. Enter your trip information and pick-up/drop-off locations and we'll help you find cheap long-term car hire deals.
Where can I find an Africa hire car if I am younger than 25?
Age policies are different between hire companies, so be prepared to do a bit of research. Found an Africa outlet that does hire to under 25s? Terrific news! Just take note that a surcharge often applies to drivers between 21 and 24. The terms and conditions of each rental car you're looking at should have all the details you need.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation